For over 25 years, Rabbi Uri Perlman has been running Bais Menachem, known as “Wilkes-Barre” so that boys can have an environment conducive to positive growth as an individual. Throughout the years, he’s been asked over and over again, “When will you make something like this for girls?”

By Nitzeves Yiftach 

I grew up in a home where questions were encouraged and Yiddishkeit was felt, not just done. 

My father would get excited every time I asked a question. The more heretical it sounded, the better. Asking meant you cared. Asking meant you were thinking. A good question was something worth celebrating. 

My mother, who could quote Tanach in her sleep and reads Zohar in her free time, still dances in the kitchen as she prepares for Shabbos. 

The atmosphere in our home was one of complete trust in Hashem, a warm love for His Torah, and a burning desire to live it and share it. 

That’s why, despite all my questions, despite all the ups and downs in my life, despite struggle and loss and confusion, I am still a proud Jew today. 

I think back to a moment when I was sitting with my friends and classmates as they each approached Yiddishkeit in their own way. As they each struggled through the murky waters of teenagehood in their own way. And I remember my commitment that one day I would swim alongside as many teens as I could, just to be there with them on their journey. 

I would share with them the feeling of unconditional love and acceptance that everyone deserves. I would reach out to them with the encouragement and support that they personally needed to grow into themselves. I would show them that Torah is something you can make your own and that Hashem is One to be trusted in. 

I don’t want to just grow my own garden; I want to build greenhouses. Orchards where different teens can grow into all sorts of different people. Where an orange tree isn’t judged for its lack of cherries and a rose bush for its lack of fruit. 

For over 25 years, Rabbi Uri Perlman has been running Bais Menachem, known as “Wilkes-Barre” so that boys can have an environment conducive to positive growth as an individual. Throughout the years, he’s been asked over and over again, “When will you make something like this for girls?” Two years ago, he decided he would finally do it. One year ago, he gathered a team. Today, our website goes live. Today, my dream is becoming a reality. And that dream is Ohr Chana.

I’ve joined an amazing team of women who share my dream of creating a school that’s not just a place for learning but a place to grow. A place teens can feel accepted, loved, and respected so that they can become amazing women in their own right. 

Following the Rebbe’s vision and with the guidance of Rabbi Uri Perlman, Ohr Chana will be a high school for teens who seek truth, who seek themselves, and who seek G-d. Leading this mission is our dedicated team: 

Rabbi Uri Perlman, Director. Rabbi Perlman is the founder and director of Bais Menachem. 

Mrs. Chaya Cohen, Principal. After receiving her teacher’s degree from Bais Chana Tzfas, Mrs. Cohen taught in high schools in Sydney, Australia and Michigan before moving to Crown Heights and working at Machon L’Yahadus. Currently, she lives with her husband in Canadensis and has been teaching in the local cheder. 

Mrs. Nitzeves Yiftach, Academic Coordinator. Mrs. Yiftach studied at Machon Shoshanat Yerushalayim and has taught at Chaya Mushka Children’s Academy in Atlanta, Bais Chomesh Toronto, and B’nos Chomesh Academy in Crown Heights.

Mrs. Leah Perlman, Administrator. After attending Seminary Chaya Mushka in Tzfas, Mrs. Perlman spent two years working at Rohr Bais Chaya Academy, where she dedicated herself to connecting with and empowering high school girls.

Mrs. Shaindel Polichenco, Program Director. Mrs. Polichenco completed seminary at Bais Chana Tzfas, spent a year on shlichus in Melbourne working with youth, and then returned home to Chabad of Rutgers University, where she assisted her parents in their shlichus and worked closely with the students. 

Our shluchos. Our shluchos are young women who live in the dorm alongside the students, offering friendship, guidance, and a listening ear. As relatable role models close in age, they inspire, support, and help create a warm, comfortable home away from home. 

If you’d like to learn more, or if you’re entering 11th or 12th grade and think this might be the school for you, please visit ohrchana.com.